I think I have been scammed

First, take a breath. This happens to careful, intelligent people every single day, and it is not your fault. What matters now is acting quickly. Start at step one.

Step by step

1. Ring your bank on 159. Say: “I think I have been the victim of a scam and money has left my account.” Ask them to stop any further payments and to try to recall the money.
2. Report it to Action Fraud. Call 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk. Write down the reference number they give you. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101 instead.
3. Change any password you shared. Do this from a different device if someone had access to your computer. Start with your email, because that is the key to everything else.
4. Remove any software they installed. If you let someone connect to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and ask someone you trust, or a local repair shop, to check it.
5. Check your credit file. If you gave out your date of birth, address or National Insurance number, watch for accounts opened in your name. Checking your own file is free and does not affect your credit rating.
6. Tell someone. Not because you did anything wrong, but because keeping it to yourself is what scammers count on. It also helps to have someone with you for the phone calls.

Getting your money back

If you were tricked into making a bank transfer yourself, this is called an authorised push payment scam. Under UK rules most banks must consider reimbursing you. Ask your bank directly:

If you paid by debit or credit card, ask about a chargeback. If you paid more than £100 by credit card, ask about Section 75.

If your bank refuses and you think that is unfair, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. It is free.

Free help and someone to talk to